Since Nov. 7, 2000, more than 95,000 people have been killed in traffic crashes on Texas roads. Nearly 26 years later, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking Texans to work together to finally end this deadly streak.

“Everyone has so many reasons why they want to get home safely. Remember, so does every driver around you,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each life lost is a reminder of why we all need to work together to end this streak of daily deaths.”

Beginning this week, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers will distribute safe driving tips during traffic stops for two weeks.

The goal is to encourage everyone to end the streak by driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. These tips include:

• Buckle up
• Avoid distractions
• Drive safe speeds
• Get a sober ride
• Move over or slow down

“Our Texas Highway Patrol troopers see firsthand how everyday decisions behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “By buckling up, paying attention and slowing down, never driving impaired and moving over or slowing down for emergency vehicles and roadside responders, every Texan can help make our roads safer. We are proud to partner with TxDOT to remind drivers that getting home safely is a responsibility we all share, and together we can end the streak.”

In 2025, Texas recorded 3,763 traffic deaths, down nearly 10% from 4,162 in 2024. While encouraging, the state is working harder to reduce the death toll even more.

The Texas DOT is investing $16 billion in safety improvements through the state’s 10-year plan. These include design elements like cable barriers, rumble strips and other features and projects that help reduce crashes and save lives.

The state’s DOT is also working to innovate new ways to reduce crashes, including harnessing AI projects like automatic incident detection software. The agency is also building innovative intersections like roundabouts, which can reduce fatalities at intersections by 90%.

Drivers can help spread awareness of the importance of ending the streak by posting on social media the changes they’ll make behind the wheel with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

#EndTheStreakTX is an important part of the Texas DOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative.